The effect of virtual reality distraction on haemodialysis patients' pain and anxiety during arteriovenous fistula puncture: a randomised controlled trial

Background: Pain and anxiety during arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture are crucial factors affecting haemodialysis (HD) patients' quality of life. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of virtual reality (VR) distraction on pain, anxiety, satisfaction and haemodynamics during AVF puncture. Methods: This randomised controlled trial study was conducted in a Haemodialysis unit at Mansoura University Hospital. Ninety-six patients were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups. Six minutes prior to the puncture, patients in the intervention group used VR glasses to experience a 360 degrees 'Relax River VR tour', whereas patients in the control group received no intervention.Results: Following the intervention, pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower, and satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: VR distraction may help alleviate pain, anxiety and increase satisfaction. It may be considered a safe and cost-effective non-pharmacological therapy for HD patients undergoing AVF puncture.